PRESS RELEASE

An OLDIE but BIGGIE: the OPIOD EPIDEMIC

A NEWBEE but SAY WHHHHAAAAA…..:the V.A. in downtown Los Angeles and in the San Fernando Valley is permanently closing down two Opioid Clinics. No more talk therapy (Shrinks gone; dagone GONE). No more L.A. / S.F.V. Methadone Clinics for Heroine withdrawal. No more compassion first, and costs consciousness second.

(Dateline: North Hills, Los Angeles) 100% of the Resident Doctors are removed from the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center (SACC) Mental Health Program. What had been touted as the key secondary function of the V.A.’s Medical and Mental Heath Programs, teaching Doctors will now move to non-Veteran teaching institutions. Happy Birthday America: the tentative date for implementation, July 1st, 2018.

On Wednesday, May 18th from 7:30 a.m. onward (Press time 10:00 a.m.), the Vets make their “Stand-Up” to tell the brand new Greater Los Angeles V.A. Leadership Team a better way. At the main entrance to the SACC on Plummer Street between Haskell and Woodley Streets, Veterans demonstrate support for their Brothers and Sisters lost in this financial paradigm shift within the V.A. The Congress, the White House and private enterprise all see going outside the V.A. and spending 400% more than the Vet proposed plan as wise and responsible.

What has saved the V.A. Medical service from HMO’s stealing Doctors away to private practice, can also save Mental Health services. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants with prescription pads and group therapy can steal back what unlimited medical / mental health spending has wrought.

This release will not address the potential impact to neighborhood crime, suicide increases (proactive or singular), or a return to heroin and opioid pain medication abuse this Clinic closures implies. Come to the Vet “Stand-Up” and meet the Vets.

Mark Aro is the Volunteer Vet Coordinator of the “Operation PTSD” program at SACC and of this event. (818) 961-5349; [email protected]